A HUGE black cloud of smoke from a moorland fire forced police to close two roads as driving conditions became treacherous.

At the height of the blaze, 130 firefighters from Lancashire and Greater Manchester fire and rescue services were fighting back the flames in Belmont.

Police decided to close Scout Road from the junction of Belmont Road, shortly before 5pm, because of poor visibility.

Officers said this caused 'considerable' traffic congestion as other roads in the area took the strain.

Firefighters across Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn were also busy tackling smaller grass fires.

Blackburn fire attended nine such incidents, including several behind Ewood Park, in Corporation Park and the the Shadsworth nature trail.

Darwen went out to four grass fires and Accrington two.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "We are bracing ourselves to be inundated with them this weekend if, as expected, the good weather continues, especially with the school holidays."